History of Wales

The history of Wales began in Bronze Age, when the ancient people settled on the hilltops. The Welsh were granted Roman Citizenship after the Romans defeated the druids in Wales. But the Saxon king raised a great earthwork separating his kingdom from the "weallas" as the Welsh were called. Until the 13th Century Wales was represented by a number of small kingdoms and principalities. Step by step English intervention in Wales was increased, especially after England got under the Wessex royal rule in the 10th century. The Norman started to invade Wales and as a result built a lot of castles on the territory of this country. In 1294 the Welsh movement for independence activated. However, it was collapsed. At the beginning of the 14th century Edward was ranked as Prince of Wales.

In the Middle Ages the so-called “Black Death” came to the country. It took a lot of lives, probably one third of the population died. In the first part of the 15th century Wales was finally incorporated in Britain. The country was gradually growing richer. Most people made their living from farming and cattle herding was also very important. Wales has constitutionally followed the same path as England to become part of the United Kingdom today. Until the middle of the 18th century Wales remained a rural backwater, but gradually it began to grow more prosperous and a number of splendid mansions were built. But all the same the vast majority of people lived in the countryside and they were involved in farming. Ten years between 1920s and 1930s there was a period of decline. The rate of unemployment became higher. In spite of the fact that many cities and towns of Wales were bombed during World War II, the working places were formed, unemployment remained low through the 1950s and 1960s. The population of Wales rose slowly in the 20th century, but the country is constantly developing. Nowadays, tourism is a key employer and revenue earner for Wales. Wales has a wealth of holiday cottages and private hotels, renowned for their hospitality.